by Danni Roan
Chase’s voice faded as he walked away toward the house and Kade started tacking up. “No purple monstrosity for you today,” he said with a grin, scratching Amy behind the ears after slipping the black bridle over her head.
“Come on girl,” Kade added with a bright smile. “We have work to do.”
***
The phone ringing made Michelle cringe. She’d been putting the finishing touches on the plans she had for the sawmill and dreaded the interruption.
Lifting her phone, she glanced at the number, “Hi mom,” she said, her mind still on her work.
“Honey, we’re coming for Thanksgiving.” Her mother’s voice was excited. “We just wanted you to know.”
Michelle closed her eyes remembering to breath. “OK, I’ll let Kade know,” she replied.
“Wonderful!” Her mother’s voice was excited. “Bye.”
Michelle placed her hand on her head, trying to catch her breath. This was too soon. Less than a month, and her family would be here.
She would have to tell Kade. Would he be mad that she hadn’t asked him? Her breath was coming in short gasps and she moved her hand to her chest. Why couldn’t she just say no?
“Michi, I brought coffee.” Phil sashayed into the kitchen, noting the papers all over the table and her friend’s startled eyes. “What’s wrong?” she asked, placing the paper cups and bag of goodies on the counter.
“Kade’s going to be mad,” Michelle squeaked. “Mom and Dad are coming for Thanksgiving.”
“Why would Kade be mad?” Phil retrieved the cups, handing one to her friend.
“I didn’t ask him, or make arrangements for them to stay somewhere, or plan ahead.”
“Michi, Kade won’t be mad,” Phil, assured. “Just talk to him.”
“But you know how Mom is.” Michelle’s dark eyes were wide. “She just…”
Philomena Haven reached out and pulled her petite friend into a hug. “Michelle, it will be fine. Your folks love you, Kade’s your husband. It will work out.”
“Are you sure?”
“Kade’s like me. He’s had very little family for a very long time. He’ll be thrilled.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“Relax, this is Kade we’re talking about. Big guy, huge heart.”
“I’ll make him a nice dinner tonight and tell him.” Michelle offered a half smile.
“Here, drink your coffee,” Phil commanded, shaking her head. Someday, hopefully soon, her friend would learn to truly talk to the man she had married.
“What are you doing here at this time of the morning anyway?” Michelle finally asked.
“Can’t I just drop in on my friend?”
Michelle smiled. “It is good to see you.”
“I could also use your help with the Thanksgiving Day flyers.” Phil smiled, her violet eyes bright.
“You help me with Kade and I’ll help you with Turkey Day flyers,” Michelle agreed.
“Michi, you don’t need my help with Kade. He’s a good guy.”
“He is, isn’t he?”
“I know it must be hard to trust him, especially after your rather unconventional wedding, but you can.”
“I’ll try,” Michelle assured.
“And I’ll pray for both of you.,” Phil added.
“Not you too.” Michelle looked at her friend. “I can’t believe you’ve given in to that old superstition.”
Phil smiled, the light of it reaching her eyes. “It’s not just a silly superstition, Michi, it’s much more than that.”
“Phil, I’m glad you’re happy, really I am,” Michelle began, “but I don’t need to believe in a higher being to be happy. I’ve got my business, a very sexy husband, my best friend. I’m good.”
“I’m not very good at any of this, but I’m different now.” Her eyes softened. “I have Chase, who’s amazing, but there’s so much more. I have joy in my heart.”
Michelle studied her friend, noting a spark in her eyes. She’d assumed that all of the changes in Philomena were due to being in love, but perhaps there was something more.
“Phil, you’re in love,” Michelle insisted stubbornly. “I’m happy for you.”
Something quiet and still inside Phil made her realize that Michelle wasn’t ready to talk yet.
“Alright,” she offered simply, “I’d better get back, always lots to do.” Phil squeezed her arm. “I’ll see you soon.”
Chapter 13
The phone rang again and Michelle rolled her eyes, flicking it on with her thumb, “Mom, I said I’ll let Kade know,” she said, not even looking at the number.
“Kade, what kind of name is Kade?” a snide voice echoed over the line.
“Charles,” Michelle yelped, pulse jumping in to overdrive all over again.
“It’s time to come home, Michelle,” the male voice demanded. “I want you back.”
“Charles, I’m not coming back. How many times do I have to tell you that? I’m married. I’m happy.”
“Well I’m not and I’m not letting you go.” The wheedling tone changed to a harsh bark. “What’s mine is mine and I’ll have you back.”
The line went dead, leaving Michelle feeling cold and alone. Somehow, she would have to deal with the problem of Charles. She just needed a little more time to work it out.
Slipping on a jacket, Michelle stepped out her door into the crisp autumn air. There was a bite to the breezes blowing down from the Wind River Range and she hoped the snow would hold off until after Thanksgiving.
Inside, her soul shuddered. First her mother, then Charles. She needed to take control of the situation, but old habits were hard to break. She had believed changing her whole life would solve her problems, but they seemed to have followed her.
For years, she’d wanted more from life than the constant work and grind of the big city and the ever needy, controlling Charles.
“It isn’t really running away,” she said, heading toward the fence where an old horse nibbled the dry fodder of pre-winter.
“Hello, old man,” she said, standing well away from the fence. She might have found the courage to ride a mule with Kade holding the lines, but to touch a strange horse. No way. Or could she?
The dark horse shuffled toward her, his muzzle graying, but his eyes bright.
“You’re a friendly old fellow, aren’t you?” She smiled, compassion filling her at the sight of an animal who was obviously past his prime. His knees were knobby, his muzzle slack, and his back swayed, but he lifted his head, interestedly gazing at her.
Taking a deep breath, Michelle took one step forward, then another, until she stood a mere foot from the fence line.
The old horse nickered softly, stretching his nose toward her. Forcing down her fear, she reached out and touched his nose, pulling back quickly when he snorted.
Michelle smiled, this time stroking the horse gently. She’d done it. All on her own, she’d overcome her fear. Now if she could only do the same with the other problems in her life.
“I see you met Butch,” Kade’s voice rolled toward her. “He’s Chase’s stud horse, breeder, I guess you might say.”
“So where are the baby horses then?” Michelle asked, still petting the old stallion, whose eyes drooped.
“They’ll be along this spring.”
Michelle licked her lips nervously then spoke. “Kade, my mother and father are coming for Thanksgiving.” She looked up at the man, leaning casually on the saddle horn of his mule, surprised to see a wide smile on his face.
“That’ll be nice,” he said. “We’ve got plenty of room.”
“You mean they can stay with us?”
“Sure, where else would they stay? The ranch is booked solid for the big event and besides, they’re your folks.”
Michelle smiled, touched by his kindness. “Thank you,” she said stepping closer.
“You want a lift to the barn?” Kade finally asked. “You can ride behind me if you’re willing to try.”
“I, I.” Michelle took a deep breath, Kade was right there, ready to catch her if she fell; ready to hold her if she slipped. “I’ll try,” she finally said, waiting for him to dismount.
“Give me your hand,” he spoke, his blue eyes full of pride as he grasped her arm just above the elbow. “Now put your foot in the stirrup. The other one,” he chuckled as she tried to put her right foot in.
“Now what?” She asked awkwardly, the toes of her other foot barely brushing the ground.
“Hop,” Kade said, humor bubbling in his voice.
Giving a little hop, Michelle squealed as he tugged on her arm, practically dragging her up behind him.
Desperate, Michelle scrabbled to get a hold of Kade’s waist, fearing the mule would bolt toward home, leaving her in the dust, but Kade’s strong arm held her firm and the mule barely stirred. She still felt the fear she’d always had of big animals, but this time she felt more confident.
“What’s all this gear?” she finally asked, wrapping her arms around his middle. “I feel like I’m sitting on a box.”
“Just some odds and ends for jobs around the ranch,” Kade laughed. “You ready?”
“I think so.”
“Git-up Jack,” Kade called, turning the mule toward the barn with infinite care.
Michelle tightened her grip and Kade dropped one hand over hers on his abdomen.
“You did real, good,” he said, the note of pride returning.
“Kade, do you want kids?” Michelle asked suddenly.
“What?” The big man hadn’t expected the question and needed a few seconds for his brain to catch up with her train of thought.
“Well you were saying that there will be baby horses here in the spring, and it got me thinking about babies in general, so do you want kids?”
Kade blinked a moment, following the track she’d gone down. “I do,” he said. “Do you?”
“Yes,” Michelle smiled. She’d known she wanted children for a long time. “Maybe not just yet, but down the road.”
“How many?”
“Promise you won’t laugh.”
“I’m not making any promises I can’t keep,” Kade teased.
“Fair enough,” she agreed. “I’d kind of like four.”
For a moment, she tried to imagine what their children would look like, strapping boys, tall lean girls. She rather liked the idea. “Too many?” she finally asked as the silence drew on.
“No not too many. I think four would be perfect,” Kade finally replied, “I like nice, even numbers.”
Michelle laughed, forgetting where she was, loosening her grip slightly. Too late, she felt herself slipping sideways off the mule’s rump, but Kade’s hand steadied her, pulling her back to him and safety.
“I got you, darlin’,” Kade drawled, patting her hand. “You’re safe with me.”
“Are you done for the day?” Michelle asked, changing the subject.
“No, I got a few things done, but then I’ll be taking a group out on a hay ride, and need to help with the barn work. I won’t be too late though if you don’t want me to.”
“I was making supper, that’s all.”
“How about I’m home at six?” Kade offered, pulling to a stop in front of the barn.
“Hold still,” Kade spoke again, throwing a leg over his mount’s neck and sliding out of the saddle, before turning and lifting her down.
“Thanks,” Michelle offered, looking up at him with a smile. He was not even remotely what she had expected when she’d signed the contract with the marriage broker, but she was glad he was exactly who he was.
Chapter 14
Kade entered his home to the smells of something delicious. He didn’t have old-fashioned notions of his wife staying home all day to cook and clean, but it was nice to come home to a hot meal at the end of the day.
He smiled, a secret safe in his heart. Earlier he’d stashed his tools back in the barn, but little by little, he would turn the old sawmill into her dream.
Coming around the corner, he saw Michelle hunched over her phone.
“Kade.” Michelle squeaked, shoving the phone into her back pocket, a look of guilt, or anxiety flashing across her face. “I didn’t hear you.”
Kade’s heart dropped into his boots. What had she been doing that she didn’t want him to see? When would she open up and let him in?
He’d thought she was starting to when she had asked him about children, but now it seemed she was hiding again.
The honeymoon had been a whirlwind, a revelation of love-making and adventure. He’d found the young woman sweet, sassy, and intelligent. He could see a future with her almost instantly, but now, she was less revelation and more surprise.
Walking to him, Michelle raised up on her toes, pulling him in for a kiss. “I missed you,” she said, her dark eyes studying his face.
“Something smells good,” he offered lamely.
“I hope you like it.” Michelle’s brows drew together. “I’ve never made it before.” She chewed her lip nervously, then seemed to shake it off.
“I’m sure if you made it, I’ll like it.”
The smile that crossed her pretty face made Kade smile in return.
“Go get washed up.” Michelle pushed him away, studying his back as he headed to the downstairs bathroom. What she’d ever done to deserve a man that looked like that, and was good to her, was beyond her.
Just a little longer and she’d get her other mess worked out, then she could focus on building a life with the man she was now sure she was falling in love with. He didn’t say much, but every day they’d been together, he’d shown her he cared for her, respected her.
Kade stripped off his dusty shirt, splashing water on his neck and face, then washed his hands.
Leaning both hands on the pretty pedestal sink his mother had installed in the last remodel, he looked up into the mirror.
“Lord,” he whispered, “I need the words. Help me,” he prayed.
Michelle watched Kade leave the bathroom and smiled at the wide expanse of bare chest. “I’m a goner,” she chirped, following him. Dinner could wait.
***
Kade lay awake, his hand absently bushing the soft skin of Michelle’s arm. She’d followed him up the stairs when he’d gone to change his shirt, and he’d welcomed her to bed with open arms.
Later, dinner had been delicious, but their conversation strained. A different hunger gnawed at his heart, a craving to understand and become a true partner with the woman he’d wed.
He was pretty sure he’d made a mess of things, jumping into a marriage with someone he didn’t know. He had been so sure that this was the right way to go. So certain that this had been the answer to all of his prayers.
But what chance did they have if she wouldn’t commit fully, and what of faith? He had to do something, had to think.
Michelle stirred in his arms and he held her tight. All he wanted was to love her, to provide a home, a family, a sense of peace. Somehow, he had to find a way.
Kade didn’t know about being a good husband. He didn’t know all the things a woman needed, but he knew about building things, even relationships.
Slowly, methodically, he pondered what he would do to get a horse to trust him. There’d been times when he was young, he’d rushed a horse a time or two, having to retrace his steps, and fix his mistakes. It always took longer, but it worked.
“Things are gonna have to change darlin’,” he said softly.
When Michelle woke the next day, she felt happy. She’d had a nice dinner with Kade; he hadn’t criticized her cooking once, even going as far as to complement the meal.
Today she’d send some mockups out to a few clients. Getting to work, she turned her energy to the task. Just a few more things and everything would be alright.
“I’m up here.” Michelle called, hearing Kade’s tread down stairs.
She’d been organizing their room, personalizing it.
“I hope you’ve had a good morning
,” she said, smiling up at him. “I’ve gotten so much done.” Moving in close, she kissed him affectionately, but Kade took a step back.
“Do you have to go already?” Michelle asked bewildered, moving close again.
Taking another step back, Kade spoke. “I need to say something, and I need you to listen.”
He studied her seriously.
“Alright,” Michelle replied with a grin.
“Sometimes you’ve got to slow down to speed up,” Kade said pensively, making Michelle laugh.
“Kadence, that doesn’t make any sense at all,” she tittered, her voice light. Still smiling, she watched as the big man’s ears went red and she laid a hand on his arm.
“Darlin’,” Kade drawled, “I don’t claim to be smart. I’ve always done things kinda’ slow, taking my time and working through things. It’s how I am, how the Good Lord made me.”
Again, Michelle laughed. Was the man for real? “I don’t see what God’s got to do with it,” she teased.
In the depths of his broad chest, Kade’s heart constricted. Was he destined like Hosea to be tormented with an unbelieving wife? He didn’t want to push her, but he needed time to think.
Swallowing the lump in his throat, he continued. “I just need a little time to get my head straight,” he said, struggling to keep his words soft.
Michelle’s dark eyes flashed. “Isn’t it a little late to slowdown now?” she said, sidling up to him and running a perfectly manicured finger down his arm.
“I mean after all the quality time we’ve had together…” she smiled wickedly as she watched the shiver run up his arm and a spark come to life in his eyes.
She couldn’t help but revel in the control she held over the most physically powerful man she’d ever met. Her, the itty-bitty Michelle.
“Let me know if you need anything moved to the other room,” Kade forced in a hoarse whisper as he turned and walked out of their room.
Michelle watched as the rigid form or her husband turned and headed down the stairs with a quiet tread.
She couldn’t understand what she’d done wrong. He’d always liked her teasing. He’d liked her other devices even more.
